Buhari was reacting to an allegation by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso that he was behind the dethronement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano.
Recall that the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led government had dethroned Sanusi due to his alleged disrespect to lawful authorities and insubordination.
Following Sanusi’s removal, Kwankwaso of the PDP had alleged that Buhari ordered the dethronement of the former Emir of Kano.
However, a statement signed by Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu described the allegation by Kwankwaso as “untrue, malicious and politically motivated.”
The statement reads: “The President does not have a history of intervening in the affairs of any state in the country, unless the issue at hand is of national consequence. On such matters which impinge on national security, he has a duty of involvement as the law stipulates.
“As outlined in the Constitution, the appointment or removal of emirs and other traditional leaders is strictly within the jurisdiction of state governments. It is unfair and disingenuous of opposition politicians to try to link the situation in Kano State to the federal government and the Nigerian President.”
According to the statement, Buhari has no history of interfering in affairs of any state across the country.
The president also commended the people of Kano for their peaceful reaction to the dethronement of the former Emir.
“Although a retired General and former Military Head of State, President Buhari clearly understands that under the current democratic dispensation, the government at the centre cannot read instructions or twist the arms of all or any of the 36 state governments making up the federation. They all have their powers specified under the Constitution.
“President Buhari commends the people of Kano for keeping calm in the past few days of the dethronement announcement. He prays that the will of Allah will be done at all times, and that the emirate/state and its people continue to experience progress irrespective of who is on the throne,” the statement added.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK